Darcy's Love Triangle. : Pride & Prejudice Variation. Book 2. by James Sarah

Author:James, Sarah
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“Please take a seat.” Darcy motioned towards a wicker chair near the open French door.

“Thank you.” Elizabeth sat down in the chair and rested her hands on her lap. She remained silent, waiting for Darcy to speak. But he looked uncomfortable alone in her presence.

Before he sat down he arranged his chair forward, then backwards, wondering what distance was appropriate, alone with a lady.

His indecision went on for another minute, much to Elizabeth's amusement, though she dare not show it. His impatience got the better of him and he sat in the chair regardless - a lot nearer to Elizabeth than he intended.

He gazed at Elizabeth in silence, then out to the garden for another minute. Elizabeth felt restless. She had a deep desire to run out and dance amongst the flowers. Anything to escape the suffocating silence of her present company.

Maybe Darcy had done her a favor. If that were the case, what was she doing here! She stood up from her chair.

“I owe you an apology,” Darcy blurted out his words at such a speed, she sat down again. “Forgive me. I did not mean to startle you. But in retrospect I did not intend to desert you.” He bowed his head. “And the consequences it may have had on your character.”

Elizabeth gave him a defiant look. It was a bit late for apologies now. The gossip mongers were already doing wagers on the next Bennet sister to fall from grace. She could not contain her resentment any longer. “Why did you desert me, Mr. Darcy?”

He unclasped his hands in surprise. “I did not desert you. I had an urgent business matter to resolve in London.”

“A business trip that should have taken two weeks instead of six,” Elizabeth declared. “Forgive me for being so bold, but what have you been doing?”

A glimmer of anger crossed his eyes. “Trying to resolve a business matter that has consumed my heart and soul.”

“Heart and soul,” Elizabeth said in a sarcastic tone. “You puzzle me exceedingly.” Was he referring to Caroline Bingley? She mused. She would have called on him by now. “Are you talking about your finances or a matter of the heart?”

“Both, I suppose.” Darcy shuffled in his chair. “I must confess.” He lowered his eyes. “I’ve had my doubts about our courtship.” He brushed his chin with his fingers. “I’ve been thinking about my future.”

Elizabeth felt a grain of hope. “Don’t you mean our future.”

“I regret hurting you. I was too hasty in my decision to leave you.” He clasped his hands. “Please, we need to talk. I don’t want you to leave today with a resentful heart.”

Elizabeth’s heart sank. All their loving glances and romantic whispers meant nothing to him. She rose from her chair and stood by the French door. She wanted to cry, but she was too proud to show it.

She watched Mr. Gardiner present a rose to his wife in the garden. They had a good marriage that had lasted through the decades. A marriage she might have had with Darcy.

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